China started applying new mining regulations targeting certain strategic minerals on June 15, 2026, aiming to ensure supply security and conserve finite resources [1, 2].
The regulations grant the government authority to control the total output of these minerals, restrict the number of mining entities allowed to operate, and conduct security reviews on foreign investments deemed a national security risk [1, 2]. The list of strategic minerals covered under these rules will be approved by the State Council after assessing factors such as economic impact, domestic needs, and supply chain resilience [1, 2].
These measures expand upon China's existing approach to regulating rare earth mineral production, which currently involves annual production quotas and licensing a limited number of domestic producers [1, 2].
The legal framework underlying the new controls is the Regulations for the Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law, which comprises eight chapters and 79 articles [2]. The regulations emphasize promoting rational mineral development, protecting the environment, fostering high-quality mining operations, and securing mineral resource supplies [2].
The June 15 enforcement date marks the start of tighter government oversight of critical mineral extraction to support national security and economic stability [1, 2].
